Warriors could end up with two All-Stars, but the third star matters most

Stephen Curry’s selection as a starter in the NBA All-Star game solidifies him as a marquee player. David Lee is in the running to join him as a reserve, which would be his third selection.

But the player they need playing like an All-Star is Andre Iguodala.

Two stars aren’t enough. Especially not for the Warriors. For a team that relies heavily on jumpers and occasionally disappears on defense, they become too easy to defend. The Warriors’ need a legitimate Big Three. A consistent trio of stars who can take over a game offensively. That third player needs to be Iguodala.

It probably can’t be him right now as it appears his hamstring, which he strained in late November, is still holding him back. Nonetheless, reaching the heights of NBA elite requires Iguodala to be the star Golden State wooed this offseason.

Watching the first round of the playoffs, when the Warriors’ outgunned Denver, it was hard not to salivate over Iguodala.

He defended multiple positions well, including both Splash Brothers. He fueled the Denver fast-break. He rebounded. Most important, when it was needed, he took over games. In Game 5 he had 25 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists with Denver facing elimination. The next game, head 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists and nearly single-handedly forced a Game 7.

Golden State fans have scarcely seen that Iguodala. And with the Warriors having lost four of the last six, his absence stands out like Richard Sherman at a wake.

The burden is too heavy for Curry and Lee to bare all-season. Guard Klay Thompson and forward Harrison Barnes have been inconsistent in their roles as supporting cast. Their respective skill sets have not reached a level worthy of Big Three status.

But Iguodala, he has the experience and skill to capably feel that void. What he doesn’t seem to have is the confidence and comfort to step into it.

He is lacking the explosiveness to take his man off the dribble, which seems to be a product of his hamstring. The offense, which is heavy on isolations and post-ups, doesn’t seem to highlight his slashing abilities. But mostly, he is just not as aggressive as you’d like to see him in spots.

He said all that is coming. Even before the season, he noted it would be an adjustment. He’s too cerebral a player to just go out there chucking. He’s to selfless a player to NOT get in where he fits in. Such is a great, and required, quality on this team. What makes him such a great fit is that he doesn’t need to get shots to be effective. But in those times when the other shots being taken aren’t falling, they need him to go for his.

Iguodala’s preferred method of scoring is welcomed break from the long-balls the Warriors host. When he’s on his game offensively, he’s getting dunks, the transition game is clicking, and he’s knocking down open shots created for him by inside-out basketball.

He doesn’t need to become the low-percentage shooting, shot-forcer he was reduced to his last years in Philadelphia. But the Warriors needs him to impose his will on occasions.

Having that card to play could be vital for Golden State in the playoffs, when match-ups are heightened and weaknesses are exposed. Problem is, the Warriors may not be able to wait that long for optimal seeding.